Which Nebraska Teams Could Break Out at President’s Day Classic?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have a lot to keep track of this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While we're helping out with coverage of Triple Crown NIT in Kansas City, Omaha will use the holiday weekend to host the annual ASICS President's Day Classic. Naturally, this is a popular spot for Nebraska teams looking to test their mettle against Midwestern foes. For many, Omaha offers the season's first opportunity in an expansive tournament setting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is surely the recipe for a few breakout teams from the Great Plains Region. Here are a few of our favorite candidates from the ASICS President's Day Classic field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Banzai VBC 18 Select</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Banzai VBC's most seasoned team is loaded with recognizable names. This collection of talent could lead to an Omaha breakthrough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Minneapolis' Northern Lights Qualifier gave us a glimpse at 18 Selects high ceiling on big stages. Midland University commit [player_tooltip player_id='189374' first='Abree' last='Plueger'] is flying high on the right pin, giving Banzai VBC an extraordinary in-system option. [player_tooltip player_id='155056' first='Raeghan' last='Craven'] and [player_tooltip player_id='253924' first='Jordyn' last='Hill'] make up an exceptional setter duo that will look to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">A late rally lifts <a href="https://twitter.com/Banzaivb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Banzaivb</a> 18 Select to a Set 1 win in its Day 2 opener.</p> <p>Plenty of intrigue building across the Great Plains entries. <a href="https://t.co/kI0roXQxG7">pic.twitter.com/kI0roXQxG7</a></p> <p>&mdash; Austin Kingsley (@KingsleyATK) <a href="https://twitter.com/KingsleyATK/status/1885719781845709299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 1, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p> </p> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] 17 Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] squad has changed and evolved compared to last year's iteration. After seeing this new group find their rhythm through early regional events, we're looking for 17 Black to take the next step in the Omaha spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returning veterans like [player_tooltip player_id='349457' first='Bella' last='Sjuts'] and [player_tooltip player_id='219728' first='Sydney' last='Hengelfelt'] still loom large for this [program_tooltip program_id='428717' first='Nebraska' last='ONE'] group. However, 17 Black gets a huge boost by adding frontcourt stars like [player_tooltip player_id='453482' first='McKenzie' last='Sidlo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='349486' first='Lauren' last='Kuhlmann']. Sidlo has demonstrated plenty of multi-position value throughout her prep career--a common theme across this entire roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Nebraska Juniors 17 Black</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>17 Black should have high hopes heading into Omaha's 17 Open division. This Nebraska Juniors squad has squared up with Open-level competitors during this year's Midwest Power League, and that won't change at the President's Day Classic.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Versatility is a major storyline for this lineup. [player_tooltip player_id='275961' first='Sidonia' last='Wattier'] can dish the offense as a backcourt setter or wield her quick right arm as a front-row attacker. [player_tooltip player_id='396764' first='Annie' last='Backemeyer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='396762' first='Samantha' last='Plas'] bring a ton of range to their attacking positions, and [player_tooltip player_id='518608' first='Elzada' last='Gernstein'] is gaining momentum after an impactful junior season with Grand Island Senior High. Keep track of the various lineups Nebraska Juniors deploys this weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Club Legacy 17 Bravo</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Having some prior qualifier experience could pay dividends for this Club Legacy squad. 17 Bravo is fresh off a trip to Minneapolis for the Northern Lights Qualifier, so steady improvement will be the goal heading into Omaha.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>NLQ revealed the leadership qualities of frontcourt stars like [player_tooltip player_id='349465' first='Stella' last='Cox'] and [player_tooltip player_id='582862' first='Bailey' last='Jasper']. We've also seen growth from [player_tooltip player_id='521231' first='Zuri' last='Link'] as she brings a new layer of ball-control skill to the 17 Bravo roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Nebraska Elite 17 Blasters</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have high hopes for Nebraska Elite 17 Blasters after watching this team's exceptional effort at last weekend's Midwest Power League. A balance of ball control and frontcourt firepower will pave the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":731207,"width":"319px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepdig.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2024/12/16-Jordynn-Devers.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-731207" style="width:319px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Devers</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='518600' first='Julia' last='Perrotto'] and [player_tooltip player_id='276194' first='Audrey' last='Bassett'] have already established themselves as go-to pin attackers. First contacts will be anchored by [player_tooltip player_id='464933' first='Kambry' last='Kachaturian'], who excelled in the libero jersey during that Power League appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Premier Nebraska 16 Silver</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 16s are finally starting to infiltrate the region's major events, giving us a chance to see how teams like 16 Silver will fare during the mid-season grind.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Premier Nebraska group has always leaned on dynamic pin scorers like [player_tooltip player_id='507304' first='Jordynn' last='Devers'] and [player_tooltip player_id='509389' first='Regan' last='Schnabel']. We'll pay particularly close attention to the backcourt unit, which looks strong with the return of [player_tooltip player_id='521166' first='Averi' last='Scardina'] and [player_tooltip player_id='505579' first='Jada' last='Carson'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">[program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] 15 Navy</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Several question marks still loom regarding the 15s, but we'll be looking to see what's next in the [program_tooltip program_id='428728' first='River' last='City Jrs'] pipeline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Frontcourt physicality will be in the spotlight for this 15 Navy group. Eryn Gigstead is a force in the middle with her blocking prowess and attacking power. Out-of-system situations will allow [player_tooltip player_id='753332' first='Taylor' last='Tresemer'] to thrive as an outlet scorer. We anticipate a few more names entering the spotlight as the stakes grow in Omaha.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->